Pete Jordi Wood

About the researcher

Pete Jordi Wood (he/him) is a British author, illustrator and screenwriter from Cornwall, U.K. He is represented by CAA, United Agents and Rogers, Coleridge & White. 

Pete is the author of two books for Penguin Random House. ‘Tales From Beyond the Rainbow: Ten LGBTQ+ Fairy Tales Proudly Reclaimed’ (Puffin Classics, 2023) is an anthology of queer folk tale adaptations from around the world, written and illustrated by Pete and a spectrum of international artists, the majority of whom are LGBTQ+. ‘The Dog and the Sailor’ (Puffin, 2024) marks Pete’s debut picture book as writer and illustrator. 

As a screenwriter Pete was a member of the writersroom for “EastEnders” (BBC), wrote the original radio drama “Lifted” (BBC), and an original television drama “I Don’t Care” (Channel 4). He has a BA (Hons) degree in Animation and an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University. 

Research interests

  • Folkloristics 
  • Folklore, Myths and Legends 
  • Magic & the Occult 
  • Queer History 
  • Queer Theory 
  • Creative Writing: Prose Fiction 
  • Illustration 
  • Writing for Film and Television 
  • Writing for Theatre & Radio 

PJ Wood

PhD abstract

Thesis title

Queer Magical Folkloristics 

Abstract

This Ph.D thesis explores the intersection of queer identity, magic and folklore, aiming to uncover and reintegrate historically marginalised LGBTQ+ folk tale characters and narratives into contemporary discourse. The research addresses a notable absence of positive portrayals of queer characters in magical tales and texts, examining historical biases in folklore studies.  

The central question guiding this investigation is: how can positive portrayals of queer characters, themes and narratives from magical folklore be unearthed, analysed and integrated into an LGBTQ+ inclusive creative practice to enhance the dissemination of historically marginalised knowledge?  

To answer this, a multidisciplinary practice-research study is proposed and conducted. The methodology emphasises scholarly exploration through qualitative desk-based research and critical analysis using queer theory, folkloristics, archetypal theory, comparative mythology, and auto-ethnography.   

The study extends from Victorian folklore through Greco-Roman antiquity, before focusing in on the practice-researcher’s cultural heritage as a resource. The results arising from the inquiry include the rediscovery of several unusual folk tales with queer characters and themes.   

The thesis concludes with the publication/exhibition/performance of a multi-modal submission that disseminates knowledge about queer magical cultures of the past in an engaging, contemporary format.  

Qualifications

Year Qualification Awarding body
2020 MA Illustration: Authorial Practice (Distinction)  Falmouth University
2010 BA Digital Animation (First Class Honours)  Falmouth University

Grants and awards

Year Description Awarding body
2023-26 Ph.D Studentship   Falmouth University